Introduction
Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a critical vulnerability in Nortek Linear eMerge E3 access controller systems [4], identified as CVE-2024-9441 [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. This flaw poses a significant risk due to its potential for remote exploitation, allowing unauthorized command execution on affected systems.
Description
Cybersecurity researchers have identified a critical unpatched vulnerability in Nortek Linear eMerge E3 access controller systems [4], designated as CVE-2024-9441 [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. This flaw allows remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands and has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8 out of 10 [4], indicating a significant risk to organizations utilizing these systems [2].
The affected versions of the Nortek Linear eMerge E3 Access Control include 0.32-03i, 0.32-04m, 0.32-05p, 0.32-05z, 0.32-07p, 0.32-07e, 0.32-08e, 0.32-08f, 0.32-09c, 1.00.05 [4], and 1.00.07 [4]. Following the public disclosure [4], proof-of-concept exploits have emerged [4], raising concerns about potential exploitation by threat actors who can send specially crafted requests to the eMerge E3 systems, enabling them to execute any OS command and potentially leading to severe security breaches.
The vendor has not yet provided a fix or workaround for this vulnerability [4]. Given the slow response to a previous critical flaw [4], CVE-2019-7256 [4], which had a CVSS score of 10.0 and was exploited by the Flax Typhoon threat actor [4], experts do not anticipate a timely patch for CVE-2024-9441 [4].
Organizations using the Linear eMerge E3 series are advised to take immediate action to isolate or take these devices offline [4]. To mitigate risks [2], it is recommended that organizations check for firmware updates from Nice Linear, restrict access to authorized personnel [2], and implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual activities [2]. Additionally, the vendor suggests enforcing security best practices, such as implementing network segmentation and utilizing a network firewall, to protect data and maintain organizational reputation.
Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2024-9441 highlights the critical need for organizations to remain vigilant in their cybersecurity practices. Immediate actions [2] [4], such as isolating vulnerable systems and implementing robust monitoring, are essential to mitigate potential threats. The lack of a timely vendor response underscores the importance of proactive security measures and continuous monitoring to safeguard against future vulnerabilities.
References
[1] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wdevaultopenai-blocks-20-global-malicious-campaigns-activity-7250137398641106944-A7Jr
[2] https://krofeksecurity.com/linear-emerge-e3-critical-vulnerability-what-to-know/
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wdevaultcybercriminals-use-unicode-to-hide-mongolian-activity-7250053148302581762-Bgd0
[4] https://thehackernews.com/2024/10/experts-warn-of-critical-unpatched.html
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wdevault_firefox-zero-day-under-attack-update-your-activity-7250006599224696834-lrUB
